Eagletarian Blog

It wasn't until after he worked out for the Eagles this morning that Jon Runyan learned his successor, Shawn Andrews, wasn't practicing, Runyan told your Eagletarian in a text reply. Runyan said the workout with coaches he played for from 2000 to 2008 "went well."

Runyan's agent, Ben Dogra, acknowledged the workout but said there have been no contract talks. It's unlikely the Eagles would want to sign and then play Runyan this week, with no practice, and if they signed him, they'd have to cut someone, from an offensive line corps that will play without Todd Herremans (foot) this week. Also, as a vested veteran, Runyan's entire base salary would be guaranteed once he played in Week 1. The team can cut a potentially less expensive deal next week.

Andrews watched the early part of practice, wearing his jersey without pads, then went back into the NovaCare Complex.

While the Eagles have not commented on Andrews today, the team's injury report lists Andrews as missing practice with a back injury. Andrews has struggled with his back since it tightened up in the fitness run on the first day of training camp. That followed surgery last season, after he played in only the first two games.

Asked about Andrews on Wednesday, Eagles coach Andy Reid said, “He seems to feel all right. That was the important thing and making sure his back was stable and that he was confident. That’s how he feels right now.”

Reporters' requests to speak with Reid following Thursday's practice were denied.

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With Michael Vick on the exempt list, Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg said a position player would be the third quarterback but declined to say who.Players joked it would be center Jamaal Jackson, which would be an acrobatic feat.

Mornhinweg also acknowledged that he has not gone into a season with as many untested parts as he has this season. The goal for the offense is to “get a little better each game,” he said.

Mornhinweg hinted that we shouldn’t expect rookies Jeremy Maclin and LeSean McCoy to have large roles right away. “He’s ready to help us a little bit, at least situationally,” Mornhinweg said of Maclin. With Brian Westbrook healthy, McCoy likely will have a role similar to what Correll Buckhalter did last season, he said.

As for the defense, coordinator Sean McDermott said rookie starting free safety Macho Harris is “a guy that’s battled all through the spring and training camp,” and is “a natural football player.”

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BTW, Shady McCoy will not be switching his number from 29 to 25, after all. The league disallowed the switch, because there were already No. 29 McCoy jerseys being sold.